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What causes scoliosis? 6 possible conditions

What Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is an unnatural curvature of the spine. The normal shape of the spine includes a top-of-the-shoulder curve and a lower back curve. If your spine is curved from side to side or in an “S” or “C” shape, you probably have scoliosis.

According to the Scoliosis Research Society, more than 80 percent of scoliosis cases have no identifiable cause (SRS). The condition is often diagnosed during the first seven years of a child’s life. Common causes (when they can be pinpointed) are birth defects, neurological abnormalities, and genetic conditions.

Common Types of Scoliosis

Types Based on Cause

The largest category of scoliosis is idiopathic scoliosis, which has no definite cause. Idiopathic scoliosis is broken down by age group:

infant (0 to 3 years)

juvenile (4 to 10 years)

adolescent (11 to 18 years)

adult (18+ years)

There are a number of different types of scoliosis among the estimated 20 percent of cases in which a cause can be identified, including:

Types Based on Permanence

Scoliosis can also be broken into two other categories: structural or nonstructural. Structural scoliosis is when the spine’s curve is fixed and was caused by a disease, injury, or birth defect. Nonstructural scoliosis is when the curve is temporary and can be fixed.

What Causes Scoliosis

In many cases, the cause of scoliosis cannot be determined. Among those individuals with scoliosis in whom a cause can be determined, the most common are:

cerebral palsy, a group of nervous system disorders that affect movement, learning, hearing, seeing, and thinking

muscular dystrophy, a group of genetic disorders that results in muscle weakness

birth defects that affect an infant’s spinal bones, such as spina bifida

spinal injuries or infections

People with a family history of scoliosis are more likely to develop the condition. Girls are more likely to have a more severe form of scoliosis than boys are.

Recognizing the Signs of Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a physical condition that can cause severe spinal curving. Since there are varying degrees of scoliosis, symptoms may vary. Common symptoms associated with scoliosis include:

one shoulder blade that is higher than the other

one shoulder blade that sticks out more than another

uneven hips

a rotating spine

spinal twist

problems breathing because of reduction of chest area for the lungs to expand

back pain

How Is Scoliosis Diagnosed?

Physical Exam

Since scoliosis is a spinal shape issue, a physical examination is the first step. Your doctor will observe your back while you stand with your arms at your sides. He or she will be looking for spine curvature and whether or not your shoulders and waist area are symmetrical (in line). Next, your doctor will ask you to bend forward and observe your back from this angle. This time he or she will look for curvature in your upper and lower back.

Imaging

In addition, some form of imaging test will be used to get a closer look at your skeleton. Tests may include:

X-ray: uses radiation to create a picture of the spine

MRI: uses radio and magnetic waves to get a detailed picture of bones and tissue surrounding them

CT scan: X-rays taken at a variety of angles to get a 3D picture of the skeleton

Bone scan: a solution that is radioactive is injected into your blood. It will be concentrated in area of increased circulation, making spinal abnormalities easier for your doctor to see.

Treatment Options for Scoliosis

The type of treatment depends on numerous factors, but the degree of spine curvature is a major factor. Your doctor will also take into consideration your age, whether you are likely to continue growing, the amount and type of curvature, and the type of the scoliosis.

The primary treatment options are bracing and surgery.

Bracing

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, you will like have to use a brace if:

you are still growing and the curvature is more than 25 to 30 degrees

you are still growing and the curvature is between 20 and 29 degrees, but the curvature is getting worse

the curvature is between 20 and 29 degrees and you have at least two more years to grow; also, if you are a girl and you have not begun menstruation (NIAMS)

The braces will not straighten the spine, but can prevent the curvature from increasing. This method of treatment is more effective for cases that are detected early.

The braces will usually be worn 24 hours a day for maximum effectiveness. However, children will be able to remove the braces to participate in normal exercise and sports activities. A doctor will usually recommend that braces be worn until a child reaches adolescence and is no longer growing.

There are two main types of braces:

Underarm: made of plastic and fits close to the body. The brace is virtually invisible. This is used to treat lower spine curves, as it fits around the lower portion of the body.

Milwaukee:this brace starts at the neck, and covers the entire torso, with the exception of the legs and arms. This brace is for curves that the underarm brace cannot address.

Surgery

Surgery is usually reserved for people with severe curves—those greater than 45 or 50 degrees. However, you can always request this option if you feel that the curvature is interrupting your daily life or causing you discomfort.

Spinal fusion is the standard scoliosis surgery. The doctor will fuse your vertebrae (spinal bones) together using a material similar to bone, called bone graft, and rods and screws. The rods keep the spine in a straight position and the screws hold it in place. This will result in the bone graft and the vertebrae eventually fusing into a single bone. Children’s rods can be adjusted as they grow. There are some risks inherent in spinal fusion surgery including:

excessive bleeding

failure to heal

infection

pain

nerve damage

Long-Term Outlook for Scoliosis

The long-term outlook for scoliosis depends on how severe the curvature is. For mild to moderate cases, the condition will not interfere with everyday functions. However, individuals with severe forms of scoliosis may have some physical limitations.

Growing up with scoliosis can be difficult. It is important for your child to have a support group and for you to join a parental support group as well. This will give you and your child shoulders to lean on and sounding boards for advice about dealing with the condition on a daily basis.

See a list of possible causes in order from the most common to the least.

Scoliosis is an unnatural curvature of the spine. The normal shape of the spine includes a top-of-the-shoulder curve and a lower back curve. Scoliosis causes the spine to curve from side to side or in an "S" or "C...

Muscular dystrophies are a group of diseases that cause damage and weakness to muscles over time. This damage and weakness is caused by the lack of a protein called dystrophin, which is necessary for normal muscl...

Cerebral palsy is a disorder of muscle movement and coordination caused by an injury to a child's brain that occurs before birth or during infancy. It affects the part of the brain that controls body movement. Othe...

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